Out and about on your own: stress‑free shopping with your baby

Your supermarket of choice:

Almost all supermarkets now have modern trolleys that can accommodate both toddlers and infant car seats. Moreover, there are clear differences when it comes to the family‑friendliness of supermarkets: from designated parent‑and‑child parking bays that are wider to make removing a baby carrier easier, to spacious aisles that allow even large pushchairs to be manoeuvred with ease, to attentive staff – You'll soon discover which store makes shopping with a baby the most pleasant.

Well planned:

Having a baby means losing a bit of spontaneity. That's a shame, but shopping actually becomes more relaxed if you align it with your daily routine: set off when your baby is well fed and freshly nappy‑changed, and avoid the after‑work rush at the supermarket.

Shopping with a baby – is it possible?

It's not just the daily grocery shop – sooner or later you might need new shoes, a winter coat or birthday presents for your partner. With a few tricks you can manage shopping with a baby even when it goes beyond a trip to the supermarket or weekly market.

Use nap time:

Try to schedule your shopping for around your baby's nap. If you go for a long walk beforehand, there's a good chance your child will sleep through trying on clothes and the shopping in their pushchair.

Get some help:

Maybe your mum or a friend can come shopping with you? That way you can pop into the changing room for a moment without worry or sit down to try on shoes.

Keeping them occupied:

Sometimes it helps to have a new toy ready for a shopping trip. While your child is happily occupied with it, you'll have a bit of time to browse and shop.

Practical tips for relaxed shopping

• Allow plenty of time: With children, shopping takes longer – if you factor that in from the outset, you'll avoid stress

• Avoid peak times: Try to shop when it's a bit quieter to avoid crowded aisles and queues at the checkout

• Bring something to keep them occupied: A toy or a small book will distract them and give you a bit of peace

• Take it easy: If you're hurried or annoyed, it can quickly affect your child

• Weekly shop: It's better to plan one big shop and then pop to the market or the baker's now and then

• Be prepared: Even for seemingly short trips, always take a spare nappy and a spare bodysuit

Image credits

Mother with baby in a buggy, pulling a shopping basket © Анастасия Стягайло - stock.adobe.com

Baby in the child seat of a shopping trolley © Halfpoint - stock.adobe.com

Mother pushes a buggy and looks at her child © kasto - stock.adobe.com

Mother lifts her child up and shows the produce counter © Galina Zhigalova - stock.adobe.com